Washington News

White House Releases Tax Reform Plan

On April 26 the White House released a one page outline of tax reform principles. The plan has the title, "2017 Tax Reform for Economic Growth and American Jobs."

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn held a briefing for the press. Mnuchin and Cohn called the White House plan the "most significant tax reform legislation since 1986, and one of the biggest tax cuts in American history."

The plan focused on general principles with few details. The overall White House goals are to grow the economy and increase employment, simplify tax filing and reduce middle class taxes.

Comprehensive tax reform affects personal, corporate, gift and estate taxation. The personal taxation proposal is to reduce the existing seven tax brackets to three. The personal tax rates will be 10%, 25% and 35%. The standard deduction will be doubled and child and dependent care tax relief would be retained.

The White House proposes continuing to allow mortgage interest and charitable deductions. Most other itemized deductions, the alternative minimum tax and the estate tax will be repealed.

Business taxes are lowered to a top rate of 15%, down from the current rate of 35%. Many business deductions and credits will be repealed. Corporate taxation will change to a territorial tax system and there is a one-time tax on the $2.6 trillion held overseas by American corporations.

The White House plans to follow a process to gain support for its principles. In May there will be meetings with taxpayers and Members of the House and Senate. These meetings will be for the purpose of discussion and developing a more detailed tax plan. The White House's goal is to build a comprehensive plan that is able to be passed by both the House and Senate.

Congress Responds To White House Tax Reform Principles

Leaders and taxwriters from both parties commented on the 2017 Tax Reform for Economic Growth and American Jobs principles. Understandably, members of the two parties hold diverse viewpoints.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI), Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) published a joint statement. They generally supported the White House principles and described them as "critical guideposts for Congress and the Administration as we work together to overhaul the American tax system."

The four leaders continued by stating, "With an eye toward fairness and simplicity, we are confident we can rebuild our tax code in a way that will grow our economy, better promote savings and investment, provide our job creators with a competitive advantage, and bring prosperity to all Americans."

House Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) and Tax Policy Subcommittee Ranking Member Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) opposed the White House plan. They stated, "President Trump's tax proposal does not do nearly enough for working families and small businesses in this country. The tax cuts proposed by President Trump would disproportionately favor the wealthy and large corporations at the expense of our nation's hardworking middle class."

Ways and Means Committee Member Sander Levin (D-MI) believes the White House plan will cut "taxes mostly for the very wealthy and large corporations with a blind and disproven faith that those tax cuts will pay for themselves."

Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) has previously co-authored a bipartisan tax reform proposal. He commented, "This is an unprincipled tax plan that will result in cuts for the 1%, conflicts for the President, crippling debt for America and crumbs for the working people."

Finally, the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget President Maya MacGuineas offered her opinion. She stated, "We share the President's desire to enact pro-growth tax reform and encourage him to work with Congress to reduce rates and deficits. We are encouraged the White House is talking about eliminating some tax breaks. Now the tough choices have to be made on how to broaden the base and pay for tax reform."

Editor's Note: The White House plan is an opening offer in the forthcoming negotiations with Members of Congress. It was significant that the final White House phrase was "pass both chambers" of Congress. The White House expects the final bill to reflect its general principles, but it is willing to compromise. Both Ryan and McConnell have stated they plan to have a bill that is revenue-neutral. In order to lower tax rates and be potentially revenue-neutral, the final bill will need to have reduced deductions, dynamic scoring and perhaps $1 trillion in new revenue. The border adjustable tax (BAT) in the House bill is controversial. However, it seems likely to be the only possible path to potential revenue-neutrality. Whether the White House and Senate will accept BAT is unknown at this time.

Charitable Voices on Tax Reform

Leaders of Washington charitable associations have been meeting regularly with Senators, Representatives and Congressional staff. These leaders emphasize the value that philanthropy provides to America. Because of this value, it is of primary importance for Congress to protect the charitable deduction.

Following the White House Press Conference announcing its tax reform plan, several leaders made public statements.

Vikki Spruill is President and CEO of the Council on Foundations. She was appreciative that "the White House recognized the importance of the charitable deduction."

Sandra Swirski is Executive Director of the Alliance for Charitable Reform. She affirmed the value of charitable services for those in need by noting the charitable deduction is a "lifeline for millions, not a tax loophole."

A major concern of leaders of nonprofits is the doubling of the standard deduction. Tax commentators suggest increasing the standard deduction will simplify the return process. However, it may reduce the number who itemize and claim charitable deductions from 30% of taxpayers to as low as 5% of taxpayers. This could potentially reduce charitable giving.

National Council on Nonprofits CEO and President Tim Delaney stated, "Proposals to double the standard deduction would effectively eliminate the tax incentives for millions of individuals and couples to give to support the work of charitable nonprofits in cities, towns and rural areas across the country."

Editor's Note: It is still a very long way to a final tax reform bill. It continues to be helpful for all friends of philanthropy to voice support for the charitable deduction. If the number of itemizers declines, the charities who currently are promoting a New Annual Fund through IRA Rollovers will still be on solid ground. Their donors over age 70½ may benefit from both the standard deduction and the IRA Charitable Rollover. This is yet another reason for all nonprofits to market the New Annual Fund.

The IRS has announced the Applicable Federal Rate (AFR) for May of 2017. The AFR under Section 7520 for the month of May will be 2.4%. The rates for April of 2.6% or March of 2.4% also may be used. The highest AFR is beneficial for charitable deductions of remainder interests. The lowest AFR is best for lead trusts and life estate reserved agreements. With a gift annuity, if the annuitant desires greater tax-free payments the lowest AFR is preferable. During 2017, pooled income funds in existence less than three tax years must use a 1.2% deemed rate of return. Federal rates are available by clicking here.